The City of Calabasas has received the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence in Public Safety for its partnership with Emergency Preparedness in Calabasas (EPIC) and the community-based programs that have strengthened emergency preparedness across the city.
The award was presented Wednesday, Sept. 23, during the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo in Anaheim. Members of the Calabasas City Council accepted the award on behalf of the City.
The City formally partnered with EPIC, a volunteer-led Fire Safe Council, in 2022 after lessons from the 2018 Woolsey Fire underscored a fundamental challenge during major disasters: First responders cannot reach every resident at once. Together, the City and EPIC have built a layered preparedness model that helps residents reduce risk, organize neighborhoods and stay connected when traditional communications are disrupted.
“This award is proof of the City’s commitment to emergency preparedness and public safety, and our residents’ willingness to partner with us,” said Calabasas Mayor James R. Bozajian. “This partnership and its programs are having a tangible impact on our community, helping us build greater resilience to the disasters that threaten our region while driving innovations that other cities can look to as they strengthen their own preparedness efforts.”
The model combines neighborhood organization, wildfire mitigation, resilient communications, technology and community outreach, with residents serving as active participants in preparedness before an emergency occurs.
Since formally partnering, the City and EPIC have expanded preparedness efforts across Calabasas through coordinated neighborhood, communications, wildfire mitigation and technology programs.
Among the program’s measurable results:
Firewise communities: Calabasas grew from one recognized Firewise community in August 2024 to 17 in 2026, with additional neighborhoods working toward recognition.
Resilient emergency communications: Through the ECHO program, EPIC maintains a ham radio network integrated with the city’s Emergency Operations Center. More than 800 radios have been distributed to residents to support neighborhood-to-neighborhood communication when power or cellular service is unavailable.
Home hardening: The City-EPIC Home Hardening Rebate Program connects residents with Home Ignition Zone evaluations and provides up to $1,000 in reimbursement per residence for qualifying fire-resilient improvements. More than 100 evaluations have been completed.
Emergency preparedness technology: The free EPIC mobile app provides emergency guidance and step-by-step preparedness information that remains available without an internet connection. The app has surpassed 1,500 downloads.
Community-powered preparedness: More than 20 EPIC volunteers expand the reach of city emergency preparedness efforts through neighborhood engagement, communications, training and technical expertise alongside city and regional public safety partners.
Together, the programs make the partnership a force multiplier for public safety. By connecting trained volunteers, residents, city staff and regional agencies, Calabasas has created multiple layers of preparedness designed to reduce risk before an emergency and maintain communication when traditional systems are compromised.
“Preparedness works best when neighbors are part of the solution,” said Calabasas Director of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Michael Dyer. “When people understand the risks around their homes and have relationships with the people living around them, they are much better prepared when an emergency happens.”
Presented annually by the League of California Cities, the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence recognizes California cities for innovative programs that improve services and quality of life in their communities. With 483 cities vying for just 11 awards each year, the Helen Putnam Award is among California’s most prestigious forms of recognition for excellence in local government, highlighting local programs and practices that can serve as models for other municipalities.
The league is a nonprofit statewide association that supports local governments through education, resources and training.
About the City of Calabasas
The City of Calabasas is a thriving community in the suburbs of Los Angeles with more than 23,000 residents. Its proximity to the natural beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains and to Los Angeles offers tranquil living, just minutes from the city. Calabasas’ excellent schools, recreational opportunities and access to the greater Los Angeles area make it an ideal place for both families and businesses to thrive.